Gone fishin’ chain

We all like chains, and the more interesting, the better. Take your creativity to a different level by using hardware that is not necessarily considered for jewelry components. Time to have some fun and raid the tackle box or take a stroll through the Sporting Goods Department for some fishing tackle swivels, and put together a cool chain that stands on its own with minimal embellishment, if any. I used the swivels with a gunmetal finish, but if you can find matte black ones, you’re in luck. The matte black finish will be depleted in the pickle solution to reveal a brass finish. This looks great if you choose to apply Liver of Sulpher as a patina.

You can easily make this chain shorter or longer depending on your preference. Make this chain convertible simply by changing the location of the “S” clasp.

SUPPLIES

5’ of 16 gauge copper wire

31 size 7 black-barrel swivels

3 brass spacer beads (optional)

TOOLS

12mm mandrel

15mm mandrel

Flush cutters

2 pair flat nose pliers

Round nose pliers

Soldering brick

Small butane torch

Copper solder

Pickle

Steel bench block

4 ounce chasing hammer

400 grit sandpaper

Brass brush

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Clean the copper wire using 400 grit sandpaper.

Step 2

Using the 15 mm mandrel, wrap the 16 gauge wire around 13 times and trim the wire. Using the 12 mm mandrel, wrap the 16 gauge wire around 20 times and trim the wire.

Step 3

Cut the jump rings using flush cutters.

Step 4

Using flat nose pliers, open the jump rings: push one side away from you and pull the other side towards you.

Step 5

Make sure the cut ends meet flush, with no gap.

Step 6

Begin building the chain installing a swivel between jump rings.

Optional

Slide three brass spacer beads on the 15 mm jump ring in the center of the chain.

Step 7

Lay the chain on the soldering brick and solder the rings closed. Before soldering, be sure to check each jump ring for a tight joint. You may find it easier to solder every other or third one to minimize heat exposure; then return to solder the rest.

Step 8

After all the jump rings are soldered, place the chain in pickle solution. Remove, wash with soap and water, and dry. Using the steel bench block and chasing hammer, lightly hammer the rings to work harden them, and to add a bit of texture.